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Explore the latest articles by Dr. Sara Szal, where she blends science and holistic wisdom to address the most pressing issues in women’s health, longevity, and personal transformation.
Stress Hormones in Postpartum, Perimenopause and Menopause: Focus on Norepinephrine
When I worked in mainstream medicine, I was perplexed about why so many of my patients aged 35 and older were taking either selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) to treat certain types of depression and anxiety. SSRIs work by blocking reuptake of serotonin by nerves, and SNRIs work by…
Divorce in Midlife: Experience, Independence, and Self-Awareness Converge
If you’re in your 40s and suddenly thinking, I’d rather be alone with a houseplant than stay in this marriage, you’re not alone. Women initiate nearly 70% of divorces, and midlife is prime time for calling it quits. Why? Because the “I’m Done” decade is real. The most common age for a woman to initiate divorce is…
Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Disorders
Severe fatigue, brain fog, aches and pains, feelings of tingling and numbness, stubborn weight gain, abdominal pain, digestive problems, hair loss, insomnia, and even anxiety are common complaints I have heard over the years from my patients, many of whom struggle to keep their conditions under control with steroids, anti-inflammatories, pain killers, and other medications.…
Filling the Gaps in Women’s Health: Personalized Guidance Is Essential
Women may have gained more power and equality in many areas, but there is one that remains broken: women’s healthcare. In this sector the gender gap is real and widening. Men have an advantage in terms of research, access, opportunity, and advice. The current healthcare continues to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach and the solutions offered…
Women and Autoimmune Disease: Why Are Our Rates Higher?
Approximately 24 to 50 million people in the U.S. currently have an autoimmune disease, which means their immune system is attacking their own healthy tissues and cannot correctly distinguish self from non-self. As a result of autoimmune attack, there is damage and dysfunction in the affected tissues. Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune disease. Why…
The Key to a Longer, Healthier Life: Claim Your Metabolic Health
Taking charge of your metabolic health is the key to a longer, healthier life. Metabolic health is a critical pillar that supports health and energy. At its most basic function, metabolic health refers to the body’s ability to process and utilize energy from food. However, it’s so much more than that. Metabolism encompasses all the…
How Much Protein Do We Really Need?
Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in the body with its most important function being building and repairing muscles. But just how much of this essential nutrient do you really need? I’m going to delve into protein requirements for men and women, including how they change over different life stages. 46…
Climbing Out of the Depression Hole: Kick Pills, Bring Back Aliveness
I have been treating depression for about 25 years, so when a friend mentioned feeling depressed while on a hike with me, I jumped into doctor mode: “How’s your diet? How’s your gut? How’s your inflammation?” My friend stared back at me, dumbfounded. “What does my gut have to do with my bad mood?” Tons.…
Take Charge of Your Metabolic Health (And Stop Outsourcing to Your Doctor)
There are many reasons why you should care about your metabolic health. This applies to both men and women, however women are more vulnerable than men with regard to metabolic health. There is a misconception that men are more at risk from cardio-metabolic related diseases such as heart disease and stroke, and it’s just not…